Flooring For Hospitals: Which Type Is Easiest To Clean?

​For hospital cleaners, your work is never really done. Hospitals are constantly being cleaned, scrubbed and sanitised – and rightly so. Many NHS hospitals find themselves in a constant battle to keep on top of MRSA and other stubborn infections. This means that ‘easy to clean’ is often top of the checklist when selecting a new flooring system for your hospital, whether you are looking for a system for your hospital lobby, corridors, wards, visitor café, waiting areas, or operating theatres.

Choosing the right flooring can significantly enhance your facility's ability to meet these standards while reducing long-term maintenance challenges.

So, which type of flooring system is easiest to clean? Let’s take a look.

What Features To Look For In An Easy To Clean Hospital Floor:

Unfortunately, ‘easy to clean’ isn’t a feature per se as much as the result of various features of a flooring system. Certain characteristics of the material or installation method make a flooring system more or less resistant to cleaning chemicals, and more or less prone to harbouring dirt and pathogens. When exploring flooring options, therefore, focus on these essential features:

• Seamless surfaces: Flooring without joints or seams is easier to clean and prevents the buildup of dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Seamless surfaces are particularly beneficial in high-risk areas, such as operating theatres and laboratories.
• Chemical resistance: The flooring must be able to endure regular exposure to disinfectants and cleaning chemicals without degrading or losing its integrity.
• Slip resistance: Wet floors are commonplace in hospitals, so slip resistance is crucial to minimise accidents in areas prone to spills or needing frequent cleaning.
• Durability and longevity: High-quality floors resist wear from heavy wheeled hospital beds, equipment, footfall, and constant cleaning, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.

How They Compare: Our Top Flooring Solutions For Hospitals

At ARTI, we specialise in high-grade flooring solutions that meet the demands of healthcare environments. Here’s a closer look at the options we offer and how each benefits hospital environments:

Epoxy Resin Flooring

Epoxy resin is a popular choice for hospital environments due to its seamless, non-porous surface. Its easy-to-clean nature and chemical resistance make it ideal for operating theatres, laboratories, and other areas subject to strict cleanliness standards. Epoxy resin is also highly durable, standing up to heavy foot traffic and rolling hospital equipment without cracking or peeling.

Best suited for…

• Operating theatres
• Laboratories
• Critical care units
• Maternity wards

Polyurethane Screeds

For areas where durability is paramount, polyurethane screeds are an excellent flooring solution. They can handle extreme mechanical stress, frequent cleaning, and exposure to harsh chemicals. Additionally, polyurethane floors maintain slip resistance and are well-suited to high-traffic zones.

Best suited for…

• Corridors
• Emergency departments
• Waiting rooms

Methacrylate Systems (MMA)

Methacrylate flooring is distinguished by its rapid curing time, making it a top choice for installations requiring minimal downtime. It can also be applied at subzero temperatures, offering unprecedented flexibility for hospital refurbishments or extensions.

Best suited for…

• Areas requiring fast installation
• Cold storage units
• Temporary healthcare facilities

Anti-Static Floor Screeds

Electrostatic discharge can pose risks in environments with sensitive medical equipment. Anti-static floor screeds mitigate this risk and are designed for areas such as imaging suites or laboratories dealing with delicate instruments.

Best suited for

• Imaging centres (e.g., MRI/CT rooms)
• Medical laboratories

Decorative Resin Flooring

Combining a tailored appearance with practicality, decorative resin adds a modern touch to hospital environments. These floors come in various designs and colours, allowing healthcare facilities to create a welcoming atmosphere without compromising on cleanability or durability.

Best suited for…

• Hospital lobbies
• Patient rooms
• Visitor areas

What Next?

If you’re considering the best flooring solution for your hospital, please get in touch with Advanced Resins today to discuss your needs, installation timeframe and budget.